Review: #426 Aron vs. Axel/Pvt. Marino (UCW)

When I asked if folks wanted to weigh in on my April reviews, I received two responses. I did the first request - the three Mikey Hanlon vs. Max Anderson matches - so now it’s time for the second one, which is from UCW.

I received the request for a review of UCW’s Aron vs. Axel/Pvt Marino via email. It’s a good thing for this reader that he asked, because I probably wouldn’t have written a review on it otherwise. It’s not a bad video, but it’s not one I’m likely to re-watch any time in the future. In spite of the talent and the intriguing premise, I think it was pretty lackluster.

Axel and Marino are powerless against Aron

Quick Hit: #290 Diesel vs. Harper (UCW)

Wow. This was intense. It's Nick Diesel vs. Quinn Harper, the soon-to-be UCW champion, in a crazy rope match that results in one guy being completely wrecked in the end.

WARNING: I'm going to spoil the match, because there's no way to talk about this video without doing that. I don't think it impacts enjoyment. In fact, I think it heightens it in this case as you watch it all unfold.

Diesel's wild ride

Review: #340 Diesel vs. Deep (UCW)

This is one of two matches from UCW that I bought based on recommendations from my review of Nick Diesel vs. Axel in a rope match back in November. I enjoyed that match quite a bit, especially the new-to-me Diesel. However, a couple of readers suggested Diesel matches they liked better, so I took them up on their suggestions and bought both.

I managed to watch Nick Diesel vs. Johnny Deep back at the end of November, but I run so far ahead with my content that this was the first place I could put the review. I gave it my 2015 Cavey Award for Best Gimmick Match, so you can probably guess that this will be a positive post.

Award-winning action from UCW

Yes, I did really like this match.

Review: #435 Axel vs. Nick Diesel (UCW)

So there must have been a rope sale at Home Depot or something, because here we are again with a match where ropes are involved. This time, it's in UCW with Axel vs. Nick Diesel. Champion Axel puts his belt on the line against challenger Nick Diesel. I know I've said it before, but I really like that they have a belt. It's fun and adds a unique element to their matches.

Champ Axel

Challenger Diesel

The champ is confused by the ropes until he sees Diesel, who I guess has used them before. It's my first time watching him in action, but the narrative is clear. The challenger is gunning for the belt and plans to use any and all means to get it.

Review: #430 Ryder vs. Hammer (UCW)

This review could also be titled “UCW Saves the Day!”

So last week, I was whining about a few mediocre/bad matches I'd watched. And I was all settled on Jersey vs. Talon as the one to reverse the trend. However, I was checking out UCW and noticed a brand new match featuring two guys I really like - Max Ryder vs. Tyson Hammer.

Now, I already have the #399 Ryder/Hammer match. I liked it, but I wasn't looking to buy another. I tend not to buy match-ups more than once, unless there's a compelling reason to do so. With this one, that compelling reason was right on the UCW cover page.

This image definitely got my attention!

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Eli Black (UCW)

"Mr. Simpson, this is the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising since my suit against the film 'The Neverending Story'." 

-- Lionel Hutz, attorney at law

Today is my fifth and final review of the Marcus Ares UCW matches available. It was the one I was least interested in, but it turned out to by one of my two favorites.

So why did Marcus Ares vs. Eli Black turn out to be so much better than I thought it would be?

Eli "flipped" my expectations for this match
(see what I did there ... clever, huh?)

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Michael Hannigan (UCW)

I've blogged about Marcus "The Spartan" Ares of UCW before. I raved about him in my reviews of the three videos that I'd seen (against Quinn Harper, Aron and Axel). And I noted that with apparently no new Ares content coming, I'd probably buy the remaining two, in spite of some reservations that lowered my interest. Well, I did break down and buy the two remaining matches, so I'll be reviewing them today and tomorrow.

First up is Ares' match against UCW staple Michael Hannigan.

I usually sum up at the end, but today, I think I'll do it at the start, instead. I want to make my bias clear, so folks who I think might like this won't be put off.

Review: Max Ryder vs. Quinn Harper (UCW)

One of the many things I really miss from Joe's former Ringside blog is his extensive UCW coverage. I'm sure if he was around, I would've learned about Max Ryder a lot sooner.

Max Ryder flexes

Now, I have bought 10 matches from UCW over the years. The value is unbeatable on an action per dollar basis ... $14.99 for matches that go 30+ minutes. And they have regular $5 specials, which is really cool. Still somehow, they just never rise to the top of my mind. I just kind of forget about them. Oops.

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Axel (UCW)

And here we are with the final of my Marcus Ares reviews.

Ares vs. Axel

This match is probably my favorite of the three. Both guys look great and Axel's gear really shows off his ... assets.

Patterned trunks obscure the view

So Axel easily wins the battle of the bulge

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Aron (UCW)

Welcome back as we continue to check out Marcus "The Spartan" Ares.

Checking out the new guy

I was rather effusive about Ares yesterday. While I think Ares is the hottest guy I've seen in the UCW stable, he still 'fits'. In fact, the only other groups where I can really see him fitting are BGEast, because there isn't a BGE 'look' and Movimus, because he's an everyday guy with a natural muscle build.

This match features him against the UCW veteran. Can Ares keep dominating?

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Quinn Harper (UCW)

I love it whenever a special guy comes along into the 'underground' wrestling world. You don't know where he came from or why he's doing it, but you're just happy he's here. These special guys just have 'it'. He stars in matches that I have to start, stop and re-start. Matches that I'll want to re-watch. A guy who brings it every time. A guy I want to base a character on.

Marcus "The Spartan" Ares is one of these guys for me. I think he's a transcendent UCW star, with swarthy good looks, an awesome body and a charming personality. He fits their style, but elevates their appeal. The stud knows his way around a garage wrestling mat, portraying an awesome dominating force without being obnoxious, off-putting or unbelievable.

Source: UCW Ares Profile

The risk, of course, is that a special guy can be a one-taping wonder. He might do one match or maybe even a few filmed over a weekend. They'll be released, I'll get excited. Until they stop coming out. After a while, there's that moment you realize he might not be coming back, but you can't be sure. So you wait. And wait. Until reality sets in. And his 1-5 matches just aren't ever going to be enough.